Bob Donnan - Imagn Images
No one can argue that North Carolina was by far the most controversial selection to the 68-team field. Despite the computers having the Tar Heels firmly in the field, many thought that their 1-12 record in Quad 1 games was ignored due to their athletic director, Bubba Cunningham, being the chairman of the selection committee.
If you’re rooting against North Carolina in their First Four game against San Diego State on Wednesday, and potentially beyond, I have welcome news. Things for UNC are already off-schedue, as their plane was delayed traveling to Dayton for Tuesday’s game.
Many think that the Heels got in simply because of their brand, despite having a top 36 ranking in KenPom and NET. They, fairly, point to the fact that they didn’t win many big games. Even Vegas had UNC solidly out of the field, only for them to show up quickly as the bracket was being announced. People are so mad, in fact, that West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey held a press conference deriding the NCAA over leaving West Virginia out of the field for teams like UNC.
Since the announcement, things are going well for the Tar Heels. Here’s CBS Sports with more details.
The NCAA in a statement Monday afternoon said the team’s originally planned press conference and practice ahead of its Tuesday night game vs. San Diego State is “delayed due to travel issues.” It was initially scheduled for press conferences at 5:50 p.m. and open practice beginning at 6:35 p.m.
The News & Observer reported Monday afternoon that the NCAA-provided charter flight was having issues, prompting the delay. It is scheduled to arrive Monday night — nearly three hours later than previously planned.
Should it heavily affect them on Tuesday? No, probably not. But, I’m sure that Hubert Davis is not happy about his team not being on the carefully designed schedule.